Righteousness Exalts a Nation

Welcome to Arise Philippines, the blog that supports Brother Eddie Villanueva's mission to transform the Philippines into a God-fearing, righteous nation that supports democratic principals and ideals.

Since 1979, we have had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the most beautiful nations in the world. It has gorgeous mountains, pristine beaches, and a wealth of natural resources.

Yet for the past 30 years, the Philippines with its vast population of educated college graduates and an Asian nation where English is the second language has suffered the greatest brain drain since the people fled Europe at the beginning of World War II.

Brother Eddie Villanueva, was born in the city of Bocaue. He was one of 10 children. His parents were not wealthy, but they were wealthy in the love and respect the community had for them.

During World War II, his father, Joaquin Villanueva served as a Philippine Scout for the US Army. His heroic deeds included the rescuing and hiding of two downed USA pilots. Earlier in his life, he participated in the Asian games in Japan where he won a Gold medal in track and field. Life was good for this family until the beginning of World War II.

Through out the war, they and many of these families suffered from the invasion of the Empire of Japan. Nevertheless, they joined with the US Armed Forces to fight for the freedom and liberty of their nation, gallantly.

After the war ended, the Philippines began its path to independence and prosperity. But because of graft and corruption beginning in the mid 1970's,a downward spiral began that now lists the Philippines as one of the worst places to do business in. Additionally, the economy has plummeted to second from the bottom. The bottom being Bangladesh.

What is the solution?

The nation needs a transformation of leadership! There are thousands of God fearing people of all religious denominations who believe that if a righteous leader could be raised up to the position of President, he could literally take a broken economy and society and with God's help transform that nation into one of the most productive nations in Asia. Everything is in place.

Business leaders are supporting the transformation of the nation.
Religious leaders are praying for the transformation of the nation.
Military leaders are want to assist in bringing transformation to the nation.
Good governmental leaders are praying for fair elections so that good people can be elected to the nation's political offices.

This blog will bring to the forefront issues affecting the Philippines that needs your consideration and prayer.

True transformation must begin in the hearts of the people. From the poorest to the wealthy business man - all have to come together in unity, with one heart, one mind and one purpose, the transformation of their nation.

The Founding Fathers of the United States of America joined together with the people both great and small and sacrificed for the freedom that we enjoy as Americans today. Rich landlords sacrificed their financial holdings to finance the war and purchase supplies and outfit the troops. Many of them sacrificing everything with no guarantees - except an insatiable desire for freedom and truly liberty.

These same gentlemen after the war, continue to implement government and policies that would secure peace and prosperity not just for the rich but for all the people of the land. The Constitution and Bill of Rights written 200 years ago are just as relevant today as they were then.

Christian leaders and pastors actively participated in the formation of this great nation. Their oratory was heard across the land, in the cities and in the state legislatures. Without those voices, the path to a moral nation would have been lost. During the constitution convention, history has reported that the 13 colonies could not agree. Arguments and disputes began to disrupt the unity of victory that they had achieved in the revolutionary war. It would seem that all might lost unless there was divine intervention.

In the midst of the turmoil, Benjamin Franklin suggested that they take some time off to go across the street to ask God for his wisdom through a time of prayer and fasting. One of the signers to the constitution was the Pastor of the church they all adjourned too. After three days of prayer and seeking God's face, these men convened again and within a short time, they had produced the world's greatest living document, the Constitution of the United States of America.

The people of the Philippines deserve to have such an intervention. They have been good friends of the United States. They have maintained their reputation as the only Christian nation in Asia.

Arise Philippines is the motto of the people who's heart is towards God. It is time for the Philippines to arise once again and become the Pearl of the Pacific once more.